Corner-fitting drop cloth

ABSTRACT

A corner-fitting drop cloth adapted to extend along interior and, alternatively, exterior wall corners as needed. The drop cloth may include two sections joined together to extend parallel to both intersecting wall portions with minimal folding or bunching. In some embodiments, the drop cloth comprises a 45-degree seam between the two sections that permits easy unfolding and folding. A distal side of one or both sections may include indicia to assist a user in identifying the drop cloth when folded.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/640,165, filed 8 Mar. 2018, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to wall-working(e.g., painting, drywall repair, etc.) equipment and, more specifically,to drop cloths adapted for use with exterior and interior wall corners.

BACKGROUND

Drop cloths are commonly used to protect floors and other groundsurfaces from paint, stain, and drywall materials applied to verticalwalls adjacent to the floor. While materials may vary, drop cloths areoften made of a dense fabric material (e.g., canvas). In use, dropcloths are laid along the floor against the wall surface, thereby atleast partially protecting the floor from materials (e.g., paints,stains, etc.) that drip or fall from the wall surface. Moreover, dropcloths are also used to protects floors from materials associated withother types of construction/carpentry and cleaning work (e.g., sawdust),and from materials (e.g., dirt, construction debris) on shoes that couldotherwise transfer directly to the floor.

While providing a temporary barrier for the floor, the heavyconstruction of canvas drop cloths presents some drawbacks. For example,when working in and around corners (either interior or exterior), it istypical to lay down two “runner” drop cloths: one along the first walland one along the intersecting second wall. Runner drop cloths aretypically rectangular such that, when laid down along the two walls, thetwo cloths overlap one another (i.e., form an “L” shape) near the cornerto ensure complete floor coverage.

While generally effective, the overlap of the two drop cloths oftenproduces bunching or stacking near the corner, especially if one or bothdrop cloths is folded over on top of itself two or more times (e.g., asmay be required when one is longer than the wall to which it isaligned). In addition to stacking, folding of one or both drop clothsproduces a flap formed by an end of the top drop cloth. Such flaps, inconjunction with the stacked arrangement of the separate cloths, maypresent potential catch points for the painter's feet, as well as to thelegs and feet of various tools (e.g., ladders and paint roller trays).

Moreover, it is not uncommon for an entry door to be near a corner of aroom. As one can appreciate, drop cloths stacked within the path of thedoor can make opening the door difficult, often requiring the cloths tofirst be removed from the door area. Still further, falling materialsuch as paint captured on the flap of a drop cloth may inadvertently beplaced in contact with the floor if the drop cloth is subsequently movedto a new position.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein may provide a drop cloth including a firstsection having elongate parallel first and second sides. The first andsecond sides terminate at a proximal side of the first section, whereinthe proximal side intersects the first and second sides at a firstangle. A second section may also be provided and have elongate parallelfirst and second sides. The first and second sides of the second sectionterminate at a proximal side of the second section, wherein the proximalside of the second section intersects the first and second sides of thesecond section at a second angle. The proximal sides of the first andsecond sections are joined such that the first side of the secondsection extends orthogonally from the first side of the first section.

In another embodiment, a drop cloth is provided that includes atrapezoidal first fabric section having longitudinal first and secondsides. Each of the first and second sides is adapted to be positionedadjacent a first wall. The first and second sides both terminate at aproximal side of the first section, wherein the proximal side intersectsthe first and second sides at a first oblique angle. A trapezoidalsecond fabric section may also be provided and includes longitudinalfirst and second sides, wherein each of the first and second sides ofthe second fabric section is adapted to be positioned adjacent a secondwall orthogonal to the first wall. The first and second sides of thesecond fabric section both terminate at a proximal side of the secondsection, and the proximal side of the second section intersects thefirst and second sides of the second section at a second oblique angle.The proximal sides of the first and second sections are also joined suchthat the first side of the second section extends orthogonally from thefirst side of the first section.

In yet another embodiment, a corner-fitting drop cloth is provided thatincludes: a first section having parallel elongate first and secondsides; and a second section joined to the first section, the secondsection having parallel elongate first and second sides. The first andsecond sides of the second section extend orthogonally from the firstand second sides, respectively, of the first section.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or everyimplementation. Rather, a more complete understanding of illustrativeembodiments will become apparent and appreciated by reference to thefollowing Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments and claims inview of the accompanying figures of the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Exemplary embodiments will be further described with reference to thefigures of the drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a single-piece, corner-fitting drop clothin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the drop clothshown located along intersecting first and second interior walls (solidlines) and, alternatively, first and second exterior walls (brokenlines);

FIG. 2 illustrates two exemplary, independent drop cloth sections usedto produce the single-piece drop cloth of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method of folding the drop cloth of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a cross section taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 1.

The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are notnecessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, various aspects, including but notlimited to stitching threads and the like, may be shown diagrammaticallyor removed from some or all of the views to better illustrate thedepicted embodiments, or where inclusion of such aspects is notnecessary to an understanding of the various exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein. The lack of illustration/description of such aspectsin a particular figure is, however, not to be interpreted as limitingthe scope of the various embodiments in any way. Still further, theterms “Figure” and “FIG.” may be used interchangeably herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which forma part hereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments, which maynot be described and/or illustrated herein, are certainly contemplated.

All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader andshould not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows theheading, unless so specified. Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities, and all terms expressingdirection/orientation (e.g., vertical, horizontal, parallel,perpendicular, etc.) in the specification and claims are to beunderstood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Theterm “and/or” (if used) means one or all of the listed elements or acombination of any two or more of the listed elements. “I.e.” is used asan abbreviation for id est, and means “that is.” “E.g.” is used as anabbreviation for exempli gratia, and means “for example.”

It is noted that the terms “comprises” and variations thereof do nothave a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the accompanyingdescription and claims. Further, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and“one or more” are used interchangeably herein. Moreover, relative termssuch as “left,” “right,” “front,” “fore,” “forward,” “rear,” “aft,”“rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,”“horizontal,” “vertical,” and the like may be used herein and, if so,are from the perspective described and/or referred to in the identifiedfigure. These terms are used only to simplify the description, however,and not to limit the interpretation of any embodiment described.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to single-piece dropcloths that may be used in and around walls forming both interior orexterior corners. Unlike conventional drop cloths, drop cloths inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may lay congruentto the two walls forming the corner without bunching and stacking commonwhen two separate elongate “runner” drop cloths are overlaid in thecorner. That is, corner-fitting drop cloths like those described hereinlay relatively flat, in and around the corner, minimizing or eveneliminating catch points that may interfere with movement of people andtools (e.g., ladders, paint roller trays, etc.) upon the drop cloth.

As used herein drop “cloth” may refer to any material suitable as afloor barrier. For example, cloths may include conventional fabrics suchas single- and multiple-weight canvas, materials such as plastic andheavy-weight paper, and other materials such as high-densitypolyethylene fibers (e.g., such as “Tyvek” sold by E. I. du Pont deNemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., USA). Any other materials, nowknown or later developed, that may provide the desired floor barrier arealso considered herein to be within the definition of “cloth.”

With reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein like referencenumerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the severalviews, FIG. 1 illustrates a corner-fitting drop cloth 100 in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in this view, theexemplary drop cloth may include a first section 102 and a secondsection 104 that are ultimately joined (e.g., sewed) to create thesingle-piece drop cloth 100. The drop cloth 100 may be used alonginterior corners (as illustrated, for example, by intersecting first andsecond walls 201, 202) and, alternatively, along exterior corners (asillustrated, for example, by broken-line first and second walls 203,204).

While described and illustrated herein for use withorthogonally-intersecting walls (i.e., walls that form 90-degreecorners), such a configuration is not limiting as drop cloths adapted tosuit oblique corners (e.g., corners intersecting at angles other than 90degrees) are also contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the first and second sections 102, 104 before beingjoined to form the drop cloth 100. As shown in this view, each section102, 104 may include a longitudinal elongate first side 106 and alongitudinal elongate second side 108 that both terminate at a proximalside 110. While other embodiments may vary, the sections 102, 104 mayeach form a trapezoidal shape (a quadrilateral wherein one pair of sides(sides 106, 108) is parallel) having a first side 106 longer than itssecond side 108.

The first and second sides 106, 108 of each section 102, 104 may alsoterminate at a distal side 112 (opposite its respective proximal side)of their respective section. While the distal sides 112 may intersecttheir respective first and second sides orthogonally (i.e., the distalsides may be square with their respective first and second sides), eachproximal side 110 may, at least in some embodiments, intersect itsrespective first and second sides at an oblique angle. For example, theproximal side 110 of the first section 102 may intersect adjacent firstand second sides 106, 108 at an oblique first angle 114, while theproximal side 110 of the second section 104 may intersect its adjacentfirst and second sides 106, 108 at an oblique second angle 116.

In some embodiments, the first and second angles 114, 116 are equal toone another and may be in a range of 40-50 degrees, e.g., 45 degrees,for reasons further described below. As a result, when the two sections102, 104 are joined (e.g., along their respective proximal sides 110) asshown in FIG. 1, the first side 106 of the second section 104 extendsorthogonally from the first side 106 of the first section 102(similarly, the second side 108 of the second section 104 extendsorthogonally from the second side 108 of the first section 102).

While illustrated as being generally equal, the first and second angles114, 116 may vary. For example, they may be complementary (sum to 90degrees) to one another (e.g., first angle of 40 degrees and secondangle of 50 degrees) and still provide the corner-fitting benefitsdescribe herein.

However, one benefit of the angles 114 and 116 being equal (45 degrees)becomes apparent when folding the drop cloth 100 as illustrated in FIG.3. For example, as shown in this view, the distal side 112 of the firstsection 102 may be folded to overlie the distal side 112 of the secondsection 104. When this occurs, the drop cloth 100 will fold along theseam formed by the joined proximal side 110. That is to say, by using a45-degree seam as shown in the figures, the drop cloth 100 may foldneatly without any bunching, simplifying, setup, cleanup, and storage ofthe drop cloth.

While the size the drop cloth 100 may vary without departing from thescope of this disclosure, it is contemplated that the first side 106 ofeach section may have a length 111 (see FIG. 1) of 6-10 feet (of whichboth may be of equal length), while the distal sides may each be of awidth 113 of 3-4 feet (both of which again may be of equal length).Again, while such sizes are considered suitable for many conventionalpainting jobs, drop cloths of most any dimensions are possible.

Each section 102, 104 may be hemmed along its periphery (e.g., alongsides 106, 108, 110, and 112). For example, FIG. 4 is a cross sectiontaken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. As shown in this view, an edge of thesection 104 (or 102) may be folded over upon itself to produce a hem118. The hem 118 is then sewn in place with stitching 120 as is known inthe art. While shown at a particular location on the section 104, thehem 118/stitch 120 may be formed around the entire periphery of eachsection 102, 104 as shown in FIG. 2. While the size of the hem 118 mayvary depending on the thickness and material of the sections 102, 104, ahem width 122 (see FIG. 4) of 0.3 inches to 0.8 inches may be common. Inaddition to reducing fraying of the edges of the drop cloth, the hem 118may also make each section 102, 104 somewhat stiffer. Accordingly, thehem 118 may be more easily tucked up along and/or beneath a roombaseboard.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary cross section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1illustrating the proximal sides 110 of each of the sections 102, 104having a hem 118 and stitch 120. In some embodiments, the hem 118 alongthe proximal sides 110 may be of a hem width 124 that is the same ordifferent than the hem width 122 (see FIG. 4). For example, the hemwidth 124 along the proximal sides 110 may be smaller than the hem width122 at the other sides, e.g., to reduce the overall width of the seam128. For example, the hem width 122 may be 0.5 inches, while the hemwidth 124 may be 0.38 inches (yielding a seam 128 that is 0.75 incheswide). Again, the hem widths may be selected based upon the material ofthe sections and other factors.

To assemble the drop cloth 100, the two sections 102, 104 may be cut andhemmed as described above and shown in FIG. 2. Once the two sections arecomplete, the hem 118 of the proximal side 110 of the section 104 may beoverlaid on the hem 118 of the proximal side of the section 102 as shownin FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the sections (e.g., thefirst section 102) is inverted such that the folded end of its hem 118is on the upper surface. In this way, the folded edges of the hems 118may abut one another as shown. Alternatively, the hems 118 could bespaced-apart. The two sections may then be joined (e.g., sewn) together.For example, a connecting stitch, such as a zig-zag stitch 126, may thenbe made along the adjoining sides 110 to form the seam 128. The twosections 102, 104 could alternatively be joined in other ways, e.g.,using adhesives, fasteners, heat, etc.

As described above, the drop cloth 100 may be easily folded by firstfolding the cloth along the seam 128 as shown in FIG. 3. To allow usersto identify the drop cloth when folded and stored with others, one orboth distal sides 112 may include indicia 130 indicating that the dropcloth is a corner-fitting cloth (as opposed to a standard runner). Otherinformation (e.g., length 111, width 113, etc.) may also be includedwith the indicia 130. In some embodiments, the indicia 130 may beprovided on both faces (top and bottom) of one or both sections 102,104.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide various advantagesover separate drop cloth runs as described elsewhere herein (e.g., lessstacking, less interference with people, tools, doors, etc.). Moreover,four corner-fitting drop cloths could potentially adequately cover anentire room (e.g., a 20-foot by 20-foot room could be covered by fourdrops cloths having lengths 111 (see FIG. 1) of 10 feet). Even if theroom is smaller, any overlap of lengths of two adjacent drop clothswould be near their distal sides 112 and not near the corners.

Illustrative embodiments are described and reference has been made topossible variations of the same. These and other variations,combinations, and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in theart, and it should be understood that the claims are not limited to theillustrative embodiments set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drop cloth comprising: a first section havingelongate parallel first and second sides, wherein the first and secondsides terminate at a proximal side of the first section, the proximalside intersecting the first and second sides at a first angle; and asecond section also having elongate parallel first and second sides,wherein the first and second sides of the second section terminate at aproximal side of the second section, the proximal side of the secondsection intersecting the first and second sides of the second section ata second angle; wherein the proximal sides of the first and secondsections are joined such that the first side of the second sectionextends orthogonally from the first side of the first section.
 2. Thedrop cloth of claim 1, wherein the first and second angles are each40-50 degrees.
 3. The drop cloth of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond angles are equal.
 4. The drop cloth of claim 1, wherein the firstsection and the second section comprise canvas fabric.
 5. The drop clothof claim 1, wherein the proximal sides of the first and second sectionsare hemmed.
 6. The drop cloth of claim 1, wherein the proximal sides ofthe first and second sections are sewn together.
 7. The drop cloth ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second sections each terminate at adistal side opposite their respective proximal sides, and wherein thedistal side of the first and second sections is orthogonal to the firstside of the first and second sections, respectively.
 8. The drop clothof claim 7, further comprising indicia located at or near the distalside of one or both of the first and second sections.
 9. The drop clothof claim 1, wherein the first side of the first and second sections islonger that the second side of the first and second sections,respectively.
 10. The drop cloth of claim 9, wherein the first side ofthe first section and the first side of the second section are of equallength.
 11. The drop cloth of claim 1, wherein the first and secondsections comprise a material selected from the group consisting offabric, plastic, paper, and polyethylene.
 12. A drop cloth comprising: atrapezoidal first fabric section comprising longitudinal first andsecond sides, wherein each of the first and second sides is adapted tobe positioned adjacent a first wall, and wherein the first and secondsides both terminate at a proximal side of the first section, theproximal side intersecting the first and second sides at a first obliqueangle; and a trapezoidal second fabric section also comprisinglongitudinal first and second sides, wherein each of the first andsecond sides of the second fabric section is adapted to be positionedadjacent a second wall orthogonal to the first wall, and wherein thefirst and second sides of the second fabric section both terminate at aproximal side of the second section, the proximal side of the secondsection intersecting the first and second sides of the second section ata second oblique angle; wherein the proximal sides of the first andsecond sections are joined such that the first side of the secondsection extends orthogonally from the first side of the first section.13. The drop cloth of claim 12, wherein the first oblique angle is equalto the second oblique angle.
 14. The drop cloth of claim 13, wherein thefirst and second oblique angles are each equal to 45 degrees.
 15. Acorner-fitting drop cloth comprising: a first section having parallelelongate first and second sides; and a second section joined to thefirst section, the second section having parallel elongate first andsecond sides, wherein the first and second sides of the second sectionextend orthogonally from the first and second sides, respectively, ofthe first section.
 16. The drop cloth of claim 15, wherein the firstside of each of the first and second sections has a length of 6-10 feet.17. The drop cloth of claim 15, wherein the first sides of the first andsecond sections are of equal length.
 18. The drop cloth of claim 15,wherein the second sides of the first and second sections are of equallength.
 19. The drop cloth of claim 15, wherein the first section issewn to the second section.